Sustainability and Environment
Swiss OEM Pilatus Studies Composite Scrap Recycling
Novel approach could transform prepreg scraps into new aircraft components
Hands hold a bit of construction material with a pile of scraps below
A 32-month research project will investigate whether Pilatus can recycle carbon fiber production waste directly back into the aircraft construction process.

Pilatus Aircraft launched a 32-month study with Swiss institutions to investigate whether carbon fiber production waste can be recycled directly back into the aircraft construction process. The Swiss aircraft manufacturer produces more than six tonnes of carbon fiber waste annually from cutting “prepreg” material—carbon fiber web pre-impregnated with synthetic resin—during component production. 

Recycling the material could significantly reduce production waste and potentially replace certain aluminum parts with carbon components, generating savings of up to 36 tonnes of aluminum per year, according to Pilatus.